The Rock 3rds won the Winters Cup in dramatic fashion after extra time.
Being forced to play into a strong wind in the first half, Barnhall struck first with a try to lead 7-0. Rock battled hard into the wind and unlucky not to score before half time, being held up twice over the line.
Rock came out firing in the second half and scored an early try through Sam Cleere to level the match at 7-7. Rock then scored a penalty with 6 minutes to go to lead 10-7. However, it was not to be finished there as Barnhall came roaring back and with the last play of the game were held up over the line playing with advantage which they converted to send the game to extra time at 10-10.
Into first half of extra time and Barnhall had the majority of possession and territory - once again being held up over the line and missing a penalty to take the lead into the half time break. Rock now playing with the wind had ten minutes to go and win the cup and a huge 50:22 by Joe McAleese got Rock the field position before the forwards rumbled towards the line earning a penalty to put Rock in front with 4 minutes to go 13-10.
With only two minutes left, Rock got good field position again and after numerous rumbles towards the line Joe Scott-Lennon crashed over with the last play of the game to bring the cup back to Blackrock 20-10.
Huge thanks goes out to the great crowd that showed up to support the team and huge thanks must go to Jim Trueick, Joe McAleese and Dave Murphy for getting the team going this year and just rewards for the effort put in.